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Sales of piston airplanes rose 16 percent in the first half of this year, compared to the same period last year, the General Aviation Manufacturers Association reported on Monday, with 455 airplanes delivered. Twin turboprops, however, led the field, with a jump from 34 deliveries last year to 58, a growth rate of 71 percent. "We are encouraged to see a strong increase in billings this quarter," said GAMA President Pete Bunce. "But the mixed results in shipments -- and the differences in performance among sectors -- demonstrate that GA airplane manufacturers still face some strong headwinds as the global economy recovers." The GA sector overall saw 9 percent growth, but business jet sales continue to decline.

Compared to last year's numbers, business jet sales are down 4 percent, GAMA said. Overall, billings for GA airplanes worldwide reached $10.4 billion, up 26.4 percent from the same period last year, when they totaled $8.2 billion. "This marks the first time since 2008 that airplane revenues have exceeded $10 billion in the first six months of the year," GAMA said. The complete shipment report can be found at GAMA's web site.

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Ted Runciman of Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire (England) enlists the Turkish Air Force in our latest "Picture of the Week." Click through to read more about the top photos and see other stunning shots from AVweb readers.